Miami South Beach for weekend?
 

I havent seen my college roommate in over 4 years. we are 42 year old women. We want to stay on the beach in South Beach. We dont mind the beautiful people scene but are not seeking it out. since we are not in our 20s, we are looking more to relax and get caughtup, drinks by the pool. walk/lie on the beach. upscale shopping. nice dinners/drinks. the delano sounds nice but pricey. We are hoping to spend $300 for a room. any ideas? i have read some of the posts here, but being that we are two women and we are older, I cant seem to find exactly what we are lookign for. thanks

My husband and I are in our thirties, so I know what you are looking for. Here are two places that are both very nice, and walking distance to the nightlife, but not in the middle of it.

Lowes - on the beach - decent internet rates available sometimes - Emeril's fantastic restaurant
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels.../Overview.aspx

Cardozo - across the street from the beach - owned by Gloria Estefan
http://www.cardozohotel.com/

Or anything else in this area is great. Like I said you can walk south to the crazy nightlife and north to the Lincoln Road shopping.

You'd hate The Delano. While I love the hotel, the rooms have the appeal of a hospital room.

Totally agree with The Loews. I think it would be perfect for you and your roomate.

My second choice is the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

When are you going? Peak season you will not find the roach hotel for $300.

If you can get a good rate on the Ritz Carlton, stay there, as it is everything you are seeking. I am 42 as well and it is perfect for what you are looking for. Personally, I hate the Loews. If you do stay there, make sure you are in the main hotel and not in the St. Moritz annex. There is a marriott on ocean and 5th i think which seems very nice- on the beach, relaxing and not too much of a scene. I've never seen the rooms though, so you might want to check out tripadvisor. Not sure, but others have posted to really liking the raleigh, the national and the shelbourne, all on the beach.

I recommend a cabana room at the National. It is near the Delano and Ritz, and the cabana rooms are newly refurbished. The beach, pool and service were all great when I stayed there in April.

There's a Doubletree Inn just steps from the Delano... beautiful pool and rates were good... that's if it hasn't been swallowed up by the big bucks crowd.... stayed there two years ago

Its the DoubleTree Surfcomber...

My wife and I really liked the Cardozo although no pool. Nice little outdoor cafe, and bar. Walked over the the spanish area of shops and restaurants one night and hear a great little duo in one of the Tapas bars.

Also stayed at the Hotel Victor, which we loved. Morroccan vibe (in fact we laughed that they actually had a guy who's title was "Vibe Manager". Upstairs pool on the strip, more $$$ but a block or two down from the more popular Delano area.

Thank you for all of your advice!

where did you decide to stay?

Hi Meems,

Try the Aqua Hotel or the Deland Hotel, am sure you guys will just love the service, the facilities and all the pampering that will be showered to you. Besides, you will also have easy access to all the top beaches, shopping areas, dining and nightspots in the area.
Have Fun....